Praying On God’s Armor

Several months ago I posted an article entitled, “My Armor.” In it, I described how, with the encouragement of my previous pastor, I had begun the practice of putting on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) each morning before I started my day. As I did so, God showed me how putting on that armor was like surrounding myself with Him. Each piece was an extension of Him. I was connected to Him more deeply as put on His armor.

I have continued that daily discipline and in doing so God has revealed more to me about the precious gift His Armor is to us. As I pray through each piece, I have come to see just how they are connected. There is a purpose even in the order that Paul gave us these pieces.

Instead of sharing an explanation of what God has shown me, I’ve decided instead to just share with you an example of how I pray on the armor each morning. My hope is that it will encourage you to begin this discipline yourself. I have found this practice to be helpful in preparing me for whatever I may face each day and in keeping me grounded in my connection to the Lord. It also reminds me that my day belongs to Him. I’m clothing myself in His armor for a reason – that I might be used by Him. I hope you find it helpful. Thank you, as always, for reading my posts. (The scripture for each part of the prayer is bolded.)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (Eph. 6:10)

Father, my strength comes from you alone. Whatever is ahead of me, may I find my strength in you and not try to do it on my own. Thank you, Lord, for another day. I want to face this day with your strength.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:11-13)

Father, this morning I put on every piece of the armor you have provided for me. I don’t want to skip one piece! Cover me, Lord, from head to toe, that I may be used by you in the battle against the enemy. Make me ready. Forgive me, Father, for anything I have done or not done that has created separation between us. I want nothing between you and I – nothing that will prevent your armor from clinging tightly to me. And help me to remember that my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but that you are using me in the spiritual realm, in battles I cannot see. May my mind be set on you when the struggles of the day arise.

Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth… (Eph. 6:14a)

Jesus, YOU are the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through you. I know the Truth, because I know YOU. Jesus, wrap your arm around me. I want my gut reactions today to be yours, not mine. Lord, remind me throughout the day how close you are, that I am never alone, that you are always surrounding me. You have my back. I am held firmly in your grip.

…and having put on the breastplate of righteousness… (Eph. 6:14b)

Jesus, because I have The Truth, you have allowed your righteousness to be my righteousness. Lord, my righteousness is like filthy rags! But in the Father’s eyes, your mantel of righteousness spills over your shoulders and covers me. Jesus, with my heart covered with your righteousness, make it beat for what your heart beats for. Make it break for what your heart breaks for. May my drive today be rooted in the desires of your heart and not mine.

…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (Eph. 6:15)

Jesus, your heart, your desire, is that others come to know the Good News – that you came to pay the price for their sins and that they can have forgiveness, eternal life, and peace with God, their Creator, because of what you have done. Is it any wonder Lord, with your righteousness motivating my heart, that you would want my feet to run fast with the gospel. May the righteousness that covers me motivate my feet to go where you want me to be. Help me not to miss an opportunity to reveal you to others. Show me today how to be a light that points others to you.

…in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Eph. 6:16)

Lord, if my feet are running fast to spread your Good News, I know the enemy will be eager to stop me. So, Lord, I take up the shield of faith. I believe in what I cannot see, and I trust, Lord, that you will help me quench every fiery dart slung in my direction. Help me, Lord, to recognize those darts, and quench them before they hit. Lord, your Word says this shield will extinguish ALL the flaming arrows. Help me to wield this shield and use it wisely.

And take the helmet of salvation… (Eph. 6:17a)

If I am doing battle against the enemy, Lord, there may be times when I forget to Whom I belong. Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation. I am yours! I belong to you! I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and the enemy has no stake on me or my life. Keep my mind, my thoughts, and my focus on you. Your Word says that we have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). Give me that mind today. Give me your discernment, your thoughts. May I never forget to Whom I belong or who I am when I am found in you.

…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:17b)

Jesus, because I am yours, you have given me the most precious gift, your Holy Spirit living inside of me. With His presence, I have at my disposal the only weapon you ever carried, the only weapon you ever needed – your Word. May I only use that weapon as your Spirit leads. May He be the one who guides my hand as I wield it. May I remember that it is He who empowers me in battle.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints… (Eph. 6:18)

Finally, Lord, may I be in constant communication with your Spirit today. I am yours. My strength comes from you. Direct my day. Make me alert, aware, and ready for whatever you have for me to do today. Give me the strength to persevere in all circumstances. And bring others to mind that I might lift up in prayer throughout the day today. Bless me today, that you may be glorified. Because of your armor, I am ready for battle, Lord. Use me. In Jesus’ name, amen.